About this lot

Description

the first a cigarette case of 'gunmetal', the rectangular slightly convex outer rubover set in one corner with a single 'old' cut diamond of approximately 0.20ct, with an oval cabochon sapphire thumbpiece in a gold rubover setting, sprung loaded piano hinge and personal engraving to the interior, 8.5 x 8cm; the second, a German metalwares tobacco box, stamped with 'Halbmond und Reichskrone' (crescent and crown) and '900' indicating 900/1000 standard silver, cushion shaped and decorated all over with niello chequerboard decoration, integral piano hinge and cover and gilded interior, 9 x 7.5cm; the third, a combination tobacco box bearing French import marks for silver, of rectangular convex form, decorated all over with niello chequerboard decoration, integral piano hinge and cover with vacant circular cartouche, one end with integral vesta case, the hinged cover now lacking the strike and also with tube for a concealed propelling pencil, now lacking, gilded interior, 10 x 7.5cm (3)

Footnote: Provenance: From the collection of Hubert Faure (1919-2020), Albany, London Niello (from Latin: Nigellus = 'blackened') is a metallic alloy, usually of sulphur, copper, silver and lead and is used as an inlay on engraved or etched metal as a surface decoration technique. In a similar vein to enamel, it is fused to the metal base but the lustre is metallic rather than vitreous and it is much tougher than enamel. Niello forms in just one colour – black of various tones – which contrasts highly with silver, the most popular base for niello work. It is added as a powder or paste, then fired until it melts and flows into the engraved lines in the metal.

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